In the quiet shallows of Malaysia’s coastal waters, a silent ecological transformation is taking place—one that receives far less attention than it deserves. Beneath the surface, lush green meadows of seagrass that once flourished are now dwindling, succumbing to a host of human-induced pressures. These underwater plants, often overshadowed by coral reefs and mangrove forests in environmental discourse, are disappearing without fanfare, taking with them a vital web of biodiversity and ecosystem services critical to marine and coastal sustainability (Guannel et al., 2016).
Seagrasses are not seaweeds or algae; they are flowering plants, equipped with roots, leaves, and flowers, that grow in shallow marine environments where sunlight can penetrate (Al-Asif et al., 2022). Malaysia, with its extensive coastline and tropical climate, is home to at least 18 species of seagrass distributed across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak (Abu Hena et al., 2023). These meadows are often found in intertidal zones and lagoons, forming one of the most productive yet vulnerable ecosystems in the region (Al-Asif et al., 2023).
Seagrass ecosystems play a multifaceted role in coastal health and productivity. They provide nursery grounds for commercially important fish and invertebrates, stabilize sediments, filter pollutants, sequester carbon, and support endangered species such as the dugong (Dugong dugon) and green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) (McKenzie et al., 2021). In fact, the dugong’s survival in Malaysian waters is almost entirely dependent on the health and availability of seagrass beds, making these habitats not just ecological assets, but conservation lifelines (Cullen-Unsworth et al., 2018). Despite their importance, Malaysia’s seagrass ecosystems are under severe and mounting threat. Coastal development, land reclamation, pollution, sedimentation, destructive fishing practices, and unregulated tourism are primary contributors to their decline (Hossain et al., 2018). Many seagrass beds lie adjacent to population centers and tourist hotspots, making them especially vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. A common example is the construction of resorts or ports without adequate environmental impact assessments, leading to increased turbidity and sedimentation which smothers seagrass beds, blocking sunlight and reducing their capacity to photosynthesize and grow (Carlson et al., 2021).
In places like Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Tinggi, and the coastal regions of Sarawak and Sabah such as Kuala Lawas, Labuan and Kota Belud, community researchers and NGOs have documented shrinking seagrass areas and degradation of species richness over the past decade. In some cases, beds have been entirely wiped out, replaced by algal blooms or bare sandy substrates. This alarming trend is echoed in global studies, which estimate that seagrass meadows are declining at a rate of about 7% per year—an alarming figure considering their ecological value (Orth et al., 2006). Compounding this ecological erosion is the lack of comprehensive data and consistent monitoring of seagrass in Malaysia. While academic and citizen science efforts have been commendable, such as those led by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and conservation groups like MareCet and Save Our Seahorses (SOS), there is still no national seagrass monitoring program or integrated policy that protects these habitats at the scale required (Al-Asif et al., 2022). The neglect of seagrass in national marine conservation strategies stands in stark contrast to the country’s robust efforts in coral reef and mangrove conservation (Chee et al., 2021).
This policy vacuum leaves seagrass habitats particularly exposed. Although several of Malaysia’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) include seagrass beds within their jurisdiction, enforcement remains patchy and management plans are rarely specific to seagrass (Carlson et al., 2021). Additionally, seagrass conservation is often sidelined in broader coastal development plans, perceived as less charismatic or economically important compared to other marine ecosystems. This underestimation is costly and shortsighted. Economically, seagrasses support nearshore fisheries by serving as breeding and feeding grounds. Declining fish catches along coastal communities, especially in traditional fishing villages, can often be linked to degraded seagrass meadows (Idris et al., 2022; Ismail et al., 2021; Al-Asif et al., 2020; Jeyabaskaran et al., 2018). Moreover, seagrasses contribute significantly to climate regulation. As efficient carbon sinks—more effective per square meter than tropical forests—they play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change through what is now referred to as “blue carbon.” Losing seagrass beds means releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere and reducing the ocean’s capacity to buffer carbon emissions (Duarte et al., 2010).
The way forward must involve a shift in how we perceive, manage, and advocate for seagrass ecosystems in Malaysia. First and foremost, seagrass needs to be mainstreamed into marine conservation policy and integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) frameworks. A dedicated national inventory and long-term monitoring initiative—possibly linked to the Malaysian Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS)—would be an essential step in tracking and responding to seagrass habitat changes. Secondly, the role of local communities and Indigenous peoples in protecting seagrass meadows must be acknowledged and supported. In places like Sabah’s Tun Mustapha Park, community-led marine stewardship has shown promise. Traditional ecological knowledge, when combined with modern conservation science, can create resilient frameworks for local protection and education (Chee et al., 2021). Thirdly, Malaysia must invest in public awareness campaigns and school curricula that highlight the importance of seagrass. Public perception plays a crucial role in shaping conservation priorities, and currently, seagrass is not part of the national environmental consciousness in the same way mangroves or coral reefs are. With greater awareness comes greater political and financial will. Finally, Malaysia should collaborate more actively in regional and global efforts on seagrass conservation. The country is part of the Seagrass-Watch program and the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Expanding these collaborations, sharing data, and participating in transboundary conservation efforts will enhance Malaysia’s capacity to conserve these vital ecosystems.
The seagrass meadows of Malaysia may not be as visible or celebrated as other marine habitats, but they are not less important. Their silent decline reflects both an ecological crisis and a missed opportunity. If we fail to act now, the cost will be counted not just in lost biodiversity, but in diminished food security, weakened climate resilience, and the irreversible erosion of coastal heritage. It is time we bring these vanishing meadows to the forefront of marine conservation and ensure that their silence is replaced by action and advocacy.

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the logistic support provided by the Department of Animal Science and Fishery, Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Funding information

No funding was received to conduct this study.

Ethical approval statement

None to declare.

Data availability

Not applicable.

Informed consent statement

Not applicable.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Author contributions

Abdulla-Al-Asif contributed to the conceptualization and writing of this editorial. The author has read and approved the final version of the published editorial.